Land Development

Land Development Overview

When applying for a permit or certificate with Whitman County Building and Planning Divisions, WCEH may be required to sign off on applications to ensure that proper health considerations are in place. This includes building permits, Rural Housing Certificates and short plats. WCEH looks at a variety of factors in any land development, including drinking water, minimum lot size, waste water disposal, site restrictions and other variables related to environmental public health. The below information is a general overview of what is likely to be asked of an applicant when creating or altering a residential parcel or building. Please contact WCEH with specific requirements for your project.

drinking water

Water Source: Drinking water comes from public or domestic sources. If you have yet to drill a well on your property, it is vital that you pursue the correct type of drinking water source for your project. Review the flow chart to the right to get an idea of what type of system is required for your project.Visit ourDrinking Water Page for more information.

Proof of Potability: Once a drinking water source is established, WCEH requires the water be tested for Nitrate and Total Coliform to ensure potability. Test results from an accredited lab must be sent to WCEH before permits are issued. Results must indicate that the drinking water source is potable.

On-Site Septic

If a current on-site sewage system (OSS) exists on a property undergoing the Rural Housing Certificate or short plat process, WCEH requires a System Assessment from a Licensed Evaluator. Should the evaluation determine the OSS is failing, it will need to be repaired prior to any further development. If applying for a Building permit to expand the capacity of a home, the OSS must be able to support the increase in flow. Any alterations or modifications to an existing OSS, contact WCEH.

If no OSS exists on a property undergoing the Rural Housing Certificate or short plat process, it is likely that a Site Evaluation will be needed. This process determines the soil type and any site restrictions that may exist on the property. The results of the Site Evaluation determines the minimum lot size, and if an OSS can be installed at the location. See the On-Site Sewage page for full details on installing OSS systems in Whitman County.

What are my requirements?

To determine what your project needs in terms of On-Site Septic and Drinking Water, please use the flow charts below. If you still have questions, contact WCEH. Click the images to enlarge.